Advanced Drying Scientist

Innovative Drying Technologies at Cosun Innovation Center

Do you want to develop innovative drying technologies that make plant-based ingredients more sustainable and functional?

At the Cosun Innovation Center in Dinteloord, we are looking for an Advanced Drying Scientist. The Advanced Drying Scientist maintains and uses their expertise to design and deliver the most suitable scientific contribution to Research, NPD or Manufacturing projects. They translate technical findings into commercial opportunities and IP-secured innovations by presenting research outcomes with clarity and commercial relevance to RD&I and BG partners.

About Cosun

Royal Cosun is a leading international agricultural cooperative owned by approximately 8,100 sugar beet growers. Our purpose is clear: we aim to contribute to an enjoyable, nutritional and circular world by unlocking the full potential of plants and people for current and next generations. This purpose is rooted in 125 years of Cosun history in successfully valorizing arable crops, such as sugar beets, chicory and potatoes, and co-products into a diverse portfolio of value-added products.

Your main mission is to:

• Actively contribute as a project member in the capacity of technical expert to the shaping and execution of the project objectives, deliverables, planning, design of experiment and execution of the agreed plan
• Conceive experimental plans which answer the project questions with statistical relevance while modulating the level of precision to the objective with best use of time and costs
• Deliver the experimental results with respect to agreed timing, workload and budget, and communicate regularly about progress and possible challenges
• Act as a subject matter expert, ensuring meaningful knowledge transfer during and after the project. Participate in knowledge dissemination in the organization
• Monitor, record and translate to concrete, business relevant insights the latest development in your area of expertise towards the capability development of the RD&I organisation
• Actively maintaining relevant internal and external networks
• Be a source of suggestion for new technology development, process improvement, and Intellectual Property opportunity while positively contributing to a collaborative, innovative, and design-centric culture
• Possibly take on additional P3M roles, such as project manager of a research project

This role requires the individual to interface with multi-disciplinary teams in cross-functional projects and to be a respected business partner to the BG commercial teams.

Your Profile

• University degree (Masters or PhD) in Food Engineering, Food Science or related fields.
• Scientific expertise in advanced industrial drying of food ingredients: spray drying, dewatering, air drying, enhanced vacuum drying and/or novel, environmentally conscious drying technologies
• Approximately 6-10 years of experience in food manufacturing industry in R&D with experience in applied research. Familiarity in intellectual property management and statistics
• Experience of working in scientific, technical, and cross-functional project teams.
• Proven ability to design and execute well-thought through DoE (design of experiment), balancing precision and costs, with attention to details and strong analytical skills
• Can influence decisions by clear and concise communication in technical topics to various audiences
• Results orientation with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects/priorities simultaneously; organized and data-driven
• Solid experience of collaborative working (including cross-functional teams), with strong thought leadership in your field and interpersonal skills for constructive collaboration
• Curious with creative, out-of-the-box thinking
• Irrational optimism, tenacious and adaptive strategist with high risk / high reward thinking

What We Offer

You have the chance to develop cutting-edge drying technologies that make plant-based ingredients more sustainable and functional. Here’s why this opportunity is exciting:

• Work on breakthrough drying solutions that transform plant-based ingredients into high-value products
• Plenty of room for your ideas, initiative, and professional growth in a dynamic environment
• Join a passionate team of experts and work on projects that truly make a difference.
• Competitive salary (€5,700 – €7,700 per month), solid pension plan, and flexible working hours
• Access to learning opportunities and career progression within a leading international cooperative
• Be part of a team that values trust, ambition, and bold thinking

Where will you work?

You will be part of the Advanced Process Team within Corporate Invention, reporting to the Senior Lead Scientist Advanced Process. At the Cosun Innovation Center, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams and commercial partners to develop groundbreaking drying technologies. Our team culture emphasizes trust, collaboration, and shared ambition, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included.

Waarom werken bij Cosun?

• Innovatieve en lerende omgeving
• Verbinding en samenwerking
• Voedsel- en duurzaamheidsimpact
• Ontwikkeling en verantwoordelijkheid
• Cultuur en vertrouwen
• Coöperatiegroei en verbetering
• Dynamisch & veelzijdig speelveld
• Werkplezier en veiligheid
• Werkplezier en teamprestaties